Damaged radome in boatyard

[RadiumRob]

My mast was removed by marina yard staff when my boat was lifted out a few weeks ago. I wasn't present, and when I visited the boat a few days later I found the mast propped on a couple of beer barrels, with the radome resting on the ground and a sizeable crack in it. I complained to the marina office, but they blamed the rigger, saying they don't accept responsibility for storage of the mast in their yard. We placed a small block of wood under the radome to protect it from scuffing the ground, but could do no more.

When I returned today I found that the mast was off the barrels and resting solely on the radome, which is now severely damaged. The marina office again denied responsibility and claimed it had been blown off by the wind. I find that very unlikely, it's a 34' boat and a very heavy mast, and it's more likely it was knocked when they moved neighbouring boats. They did help to lift and turn the mast over so the radome was no longer on the ground (I have removed it now).

Any views on where responsibility lies? Both rigger and marina deny responsibility, but they are both being paid for their services - the marina for lifting in/out, storage and mast operations, and the rigger form replacing standing rigging.

To make matters worse, the radome was discontinued recently, it's very unlikely I can source a spare case, which means buying a replacement discontinued unit (£1000?) or upgrading plotter and buying a digital radome (many £000s).

 

[prv]

Did you engage them to do the work separately, or did you deal just with the yard who subcontracted part of it to the rigger? If the latter, I'd say it's the yard's problem whoever actually did the damage.

Pete

 

[RadiumRob]

Separately - the rigger works for the on-site chandlery which is not owned by the marina.

 

[Lucky Duck]

I guess you have noticed there are two units for sale on eBay right now? Unfortunately one is already north of £500 with over day to run.

 

[RadiumRob]

Hadn't spotted them, but notice there's a Raytheon 2kW cover, model number M92650 for sale there. Seller is also listing an 18" antenna which is probably from this unit.

Does anyone know if the RD218/M92650 cases are interchangeable?

Thanks.

 

[Lucky Duck]

From the images produced by google, that looks like the older 'Pathfinder' radar which is noticeably smaller than the RD218 and it's digital replacement.

 

[RadiumRob]

Yes, it does look quite different. It's also in Riga!

The newer digital radomes look nearly identical to the RD218, so I suppose it may be the case that one of those would fit the bill. I'll check with Raymarine.

Thanks again.

 

[pvb]

The newer digital radomes look nearly identical to the RD218, so I suppose it may be the case that one of those would fit the bill. I'll check with Raymarine.

Sadly, I think you'll find the newer digital radomes won't work with older radar/plotters.

 

[sailorman]

Does he not only need a canister & not the "Gubbins"

The newer digital radomes look nearly identical to the RD218, so I suppose it may be the case that one of those would fit the bill. I'll check with Raymarine.

Sadly, I think you'll find the newer digital radomes won't work with older radar/plotters.

 

[RadiumRob]

That's right - I only need the casing. The chances of the inner moulding/mounting holes etc matching up are slight. Planned redundancy - that's what our economy is predicated on.

 

[pvb]

Does he not only need a canister & not the "Gubbins"

Maybe. Dunno. Guess he won't know until it's all wired up.

 

[pvb]

That's right - I only need the casing.

If that's the case, try approaching a few of the larger electronics fitters - they often remove older kit to do updates, and may well have a casing lying around.

 

[sailorman]

There is a bloke in Hull who buys Raymarine / Raytheon on ebay ( then only ever sells buy it now )

If that's the case, try approaching a few of the larger electronics fitters - they often remove older kit to do updates, and may well have a casing lying around.

 

[PilotWolf]

I remember the Barge in Southampton had a shed full of various radar types. Might be worth a call to them?

W.

 

[Sybarite]

My mast was removed by marina yard staff when my boat was lifted out a few weeks ago. I wasn't present, and when I visited the boat a few days later I found the mast propped on a couple of beer barrels, with the radome resting on the ground and a sizeable crack in it. I complained to the marina office, but they blamed the rigger, saying they don't accept responsibility for storage of the mast in their yard. We placed a small block of wood under the radome to protect it from scuffing the ground, but could do no more.

When I returned today I found that the mast was off the barrels and resting solely on the radome, which is now severely damaged. The marina office again denied responsibility and claimed it had been blown off by the wind. I find that very unlikely, it's a 34' boat and a very heavy mast, and it's more likely it was knocked when they moved neighbouring boats. They did help to lift and turn the mast over so the radome was no longer on the ground (I have removed it now).

Any views on where responsibility lies? Both rigger and marina deny responsibility, but they are both being paid for their services - the marina for lifting in/out, storage and mast operations, and the rigger form replacing standing rigging.

To make matters worse, the radome was discontinued recently, it's very unlikely I can source a spare case, which means buying a replacement discontinued unit (£1000?) or upgrading plotter and buying a digital radome (many £000s).

I would sue the boatyard and let them join the rigger in the action by counter-claiming against him.

 

[RadiumRob]

I remember the Barge in Southampton had a shed full of various radar types. Might be worth a call to them?

W.

Thanks for that - I'll give them a call.

R

 

[Tradewinds]

Litigation aside.

If you need to repair the radome casing consider getting it repaired by a company that specialises in repairing motorcycle fairings.

 

[Cardo]

Litigation aside.

If you need to repair the radome casing consider getting it repaired by a company that specialises in repairing motorcycle fairings.

Good idea. I had some crash damage on my bike fairings repaired and the quality was top notch. Amazing what these guys can do.

 

[RadiumRob]

That's an idea.

I'm not keen on following legal route - only the lawyers tend to win, and Sybarite's (presumably tongue in cheek) suggestion brings Jarndyce and Jarndyce to mind. However, I would like the relevant party to accept responsibility without recourse to law.

 

[RadiumRob]

Good idea. I had some crash damage on my bike fairings repaired and the quality was top notch. Amazing what these guys can do.

Replacement covers sourced from Raymarine. Thanks for all the advice.

Rob